Rodent Chewed Wire

Question

Hello. A rodent had chewed a Wire in my home and I am wondering if I need to change the entire wire or just that section where its chewed

Chris · Accepted Answer

Hi Chris. Replacing a damaged section of a cable is perfectly acceptable but it's also a matter of practically. If it's possible to replace the whole cable easily, that would preferable to having to joint a cable.  I'd recommend having a qualified electrician do the work so that they can test the cable properly as there may be rodent damage in other places that you can't see but would show up in the readings of a proper test.

Michaela · Answer

Hello, 

We should just be able to repair the wiring that's been damaged. Do you know where this wiring is located? eg under floor boards. 

Have you got any photos that you could send? 

Kind regards 
Michaela Warman

Frazer · Answer

Hi, yes if the cable is not accessible to replace the whole length the it is possible to replace just the section that has been chewed :)

Paul James · Answer

It’s always best to change a complete length of wire as it may also be damaged else where.
Maybe it’s wise also to check other areas, please place bait down and re route the cable

Ivan · Answer

First you need to take action against the rodent problem 
Cable can be installed in flexible steel conduit to prevent access 
You want to have as less joints as possible so 
I suggest new cable

Stephen · Answer

You can repair just make the ends good and go from there! 

Steve

Donny · Answer

Hi Chris, you should be able to join it, if its safe to do so.

Shaheer · Answer

Just that part . Or if the circuit run is accessible. Better to replace from point to point.for example if its socket and you can excess the junction box its better to replace whole run .. precautionary use conduit on cabe for feature inconvenience

Matthew · Answer

You could just replace the damaged bit of cabling, but would strongly recommend other bits of installation checked.

Adam · Answer

First of all, be sure to inspect the entire area that the rodent(s) have access to. Any repair before this step would likely not be the last. 

They along with squirrels have insulated teeth and a habbit of chewing...

I would recommend replacing the section that is damaged if it's accessible, this would be the cheapest & easiest option, BUT CLEAR RODENTS OUT FIRST!!

Rats are known to gnaw on electrical wires to the point of shutting down an entire household’s electric system.
They can also chew wires from a security system which can set off fire and other security alarms, prompting calls to your home from the fire department, and so on.
A chewed rat wire can also cause house fires as it will shoot out sparks of electricity that can set insulation and other things set on the basement or attic on fire.
Some wires are very hard to replace, while others take time to get serviced by companies such as Internet providers, phone companies, alarm and security companies, and even natural gas and electricity.

Daniel · Answer

Yes, you can cut only the chewed section, but if you have access it is better to change the entire wire.

Rodent Chewed Wire

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising